Author: yosua kodjovi Domedjui

In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, technological advancements are reshaping the way medical professionals diagnose and treat patients. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proving to be a transformative force, offering groundbreaking solutions to long-standing healthcare challenges. Recognizing this potential, the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) hosted its fifth conference under the theme: “AI in Medical Imaging and Intelligent Diagnosis: Enhancing Accuracy, Speed, and Patient Outcomes.” The event, held on March 21, 2025, at the HCOWAA headquarters in Labadi Trade Fair, Accra, Ghana, brought together a distinguished array of experts, French-speaking medical practitioners, and healthcare partners, both physically and virtually…

The Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association has successfully held its Third Conference today, 7th March 2025, under the theme:Harnessing AI and IVD: Leading a New Era of Precision Diagnosis and Advanced Treatment. This significant event, which is part of a broader conference series launched by HCOWA in January 2025, focuses on Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the health sector across West Africa. The conference brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Ghana Health Service, the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, and leading Chinese AI experts. Keynote Address Emphasizes AI’s Transformative Potential The…

The healthcare sector in West Africa is on the brink of a digital revolution with the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance diagnosis and treatment. On February 21, 2025, the Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) hosted its second seminar under the theme “Advancing Diagnosis and Treatment: Building a Framework for Healthcare Transformation.” The event emphasized structured implementation, regulatory alignment, and international collaboration as the cornerstones of the successful integration of new technologies. Central to the discussions was the HCOWA System Framework, a strategic roadmap designed to guide the adoption of advanced tools across public and private healthcare facilities. The…

A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms over the rising rates of breast cancer deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa. The report estimates that by 2040, approximately 135,000 women could lose their lives to the disease if immediate interventions are not made to reverse current trends. The WHO conducted a comprehensive evaluation of breast cancer control measures across 42 of the 47 countries in the region, focusing on six key areas: leadership, governance, financing, the health workforce, information systems, and service delivery. The findings highlight significant gaps in these areas, with many countries struggling to provide the…

Many individuals with type 2 diabetes experience deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, a recent review published on January 28 in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health reveals. The analysis, which examined data from 132 studies conducted between 1998 and 2023 and involving over 52,500 participants, found that nearly 45% of those with type 2 diabetes suffer from multiple micronutrient deficiencies. According to researchers led by Dr. Daya Krishan Mangal, an adjunct professor at the International Institute of Health Management Research in Jaipur, India, this issue reflects a “double burden of malnutrition.” Individuals aiming to control their diabetes through diet may…

The Health Community of West Africa Association (HCOWAA) joined the National Diabetes Association of Ghana to commemorate this year’s Global Diabetes Awareness Day at the Freedom Center in Accra, where a media briefing took place on Monday, November 11, 2024. Spearheaded by Dr. Elizabeth Esi Denyo, Chairperson of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Africa, the event focused on the theme “Bridging Gaps, Breaking Barriers” in the healthcare sector. Its primary aim was to raise awareness about the escalating diabetes crisis in Ghana, while also showcasing the National Diabetes Association’s continuous efforts in advancing diabetes management and enhancing health outcomes for…

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When individuals with celiac disease consume gluten, their immune system mistakenly attacks the small intestine, leading to inflammation and damage to the intestinal villi—tiny, finger-like projections lining the small intestine. This damage impairs nutrient absorption and can lead to various complications if untreated.The pathophysiology of celiac disease involves both genetic and environmental factors. Genetically, individuals with certain alleles of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), particularly HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, have an increased susceptibility to the disease. Upon gluten exposure, the immune system inappropriately activates…

Spirometry, or inspiratory testing, is the most commonly performed pulmonary function test (PFT), essential in diagnosing and monitoring various respiratory conditions. This test involves a series of specific examinations to assess the lungs’ ventilatory capacity by measuring air volumes and flow rates during breathing. During spirometry, patients breathe into a specialized device that records key parameters like lung volumes, air flows, and lung capacity under controlled conditions. These measures help healthcare professionals diagnose respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. By tracking changes over time, spirometry is invaluable for monitoring…

Confirming a medical diagnosis requires a structured approach that combines patient history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. The choice of tests depends on the suspected condition and initial clinical findings. Patient History and Physical Examination The diagnostic process begins with a thorough patient history, covering the onset, duration, and nature of symptoms, as well as relevant medical, family, and social history. A physical examination identifies signs pointing to specific conditions; for instance, detecting a heart murmur during a cardiac exam could suggest valvular heart disease. Laboratory Tests Laboratory tests play a vital role in diagnosis. Complete blood counts (CBC)…

More than 226,000 people have been displaced due to South Sudan’s worst flooding in decades, which has destroyed homes, livelihoods, highways, and infrastructure, and decimated villages. Of South Sudan’s 78 counties, 42 have been impacted, with 15 major roads, including those leading to the capital Juba, cut off. As of October 4, 2024, 890,000 people were living in flood-affected areas, with 90 health institutions inaccessible and 58 submerged in five counties. The floods, caused by heavy rains during the April to November rainy season, have intensified due to climate change, leading to permanent displacement. South Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is worsened…